Lexi Radcliffe-Hart
The move to working from home was a shock for many a few years ago, but these days, it’s normal to have a home office. In fact 41% of Brits work from home at least some of the time and a third of US workers currently engage in remote working.
But are we creating spaces that actually energise and inspire productivity? Or are we letting life and work bleed into one another?
We asked Founding Member, architect and home office optimiser Duncan Dalzel-Job for his advice on how to improve your working space in the immediate and long-term future.
How can I make a brilliant home office space right now?
Be realistic
The first step is to think of your space and be realistic. It’s so easy to get carried away with big dreams of what you would “really love” but creating a space that works for you in the moment, and can develop as your career journey does, is just as important.
Optimise environments
Yes, picture windows would be ideal but you don’t have to think that big. The view you have and where you sit in the room can really help stimulate thought and creativity. Staring at a wall, less so.
There are many discussion points for creating an optimal environment, but the most important is your immediate comfort. Whilst the jury is still out on standard vs stand-up desks, you need more than just a desk and a comfortable chair.
When designing your layout and surroundings consider lighting, colour, ventilation and ambient temperature. The research on addressing these all point to improved concentration and performance.
Poor lighting or distracting colours will strain your eyes and increase fatigue; fresh air improves cognitive performance and health; feeling too hot can impact productivity significantly – every degree centigrade lower improves results and performance, so getting the temperature right is vital.
Make room for you
Your personality should shine in your space, no matter its size. Personalise your workspace simply with things that bring fond memories as this inherently provides comfort and positivity to your working mindset.
Whilst keeping you at the forefront, it’s also important to remember your audience if video calls and conferences feature heavily in your day-to-day. Allow your personality to be present – this could be via artwork and prints, or feature your branding as TPC’s CEO Ben Legg does for his home office. Keep it clutter free if possible to keep the focus on you rather than the pile of washing behind you!
Keep it green
Plants provide a simple way to soften a space visually and acoustically while also helping to keep the air healthy. Not only do they introduce more oxygen into the room, they can cleanse toxic chemicals that inherently occur in household goods and substances such as formaldehyde and benzene.
Studies have also shown that plants reduce stress levels and fatigue, therefore increasing our attention spans and productivity, whilst encouraging better sleep.
Sound it out
One of the biggest disruptions for home workers is the noise from all your surroundings, whether that’s traffic, neighbours or family. Unfortunately, this is often out of our control. There are, however, ways to reduce the impact of noise in our workplace.
Insulating or thickening your home office walls and floors is effective but will be disruptive and isn’t always affordable. There are cost effective ways around this.
Impact sound from footsteps from adjoining rooms or above can be softened with rugs. Similarly, acoustic wall panels such as MuffleStick Self-Adhesive Wall And Ceiling Panels (above left) and Fluffo TeleCut Soft Acoustic Wall Panels (above right) can be fixed inside or outside and the use of softer materials in your office will absorb the echo of a video call.
Find flexibility
Not everyone has a whole room to spare but you can use a fold down desk that clears away at night. Dividing your working and living space allows you to “shut down” between work and downtime which is especially important when you work 100% from home.
Where do you draw your home office inspiration from?
We all need a little inspiration – even if it’s not quite within our reach yet!
For me, big views are exhilarating and Charles Gwathmey’s St. Barts Paradise high on a hill overlooking the sea would be hard to resist.
I’ve also always liked the idea of working somewhere really exciting like a treehouse and High Life Treehouses have some impressive examples of fun creations.
What does your home office look like?
We love to see how our community works – whether that’s from your career journeys or the literal space you hold. Here’s a glimpse into some of the home offices of The Portfolio Collective’s team!
What’s your space like?
Join our community to share your pics and comments below! Of course, you can also talk with Duncan about home office best practice on our forums too.
Think this sounds like the right path for you? Come along to our monthly Get started event for new members to find out what a portfolio career could look like and how The Portfolio Collective can help you take those first steps towards professional success – and don’t forget to connect with our community!
One response to “Give your home office the makeover it deserves”
Thanks so much @duncan-dalzel-job for your insights in this piece!